Aiming device, drive control system, and method for calculating correction amount of sensor data

ABSTRACT

To correct an axis deviation of a sensor. An aiming device, which calculates correction amounts of detection results of two or more sensors using the detection results of the sensors, includes: a sensor coordinate conversion unit that converts sensor data detected by the sensor from a coordinate system unique to the sensor into a predetermined unified coordinate system; a target selection unit that selects predetermined features from the sensor data detected by each of the sensors; a function fitting unit that defines functions each approximating an array state of the selected features for the respective sensors; a fitting result comparison unit that compares the functions each approximating the array state of the features detected by each of the sensors; and a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction amount for converting coordinates of the features detected by the sensors from a result of the comparison of the functions.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an in-vehicle control device, and more particularly to an aiming device that corrects sensor data.

BACKGROUND ART

Driving assistance systems and automatic driving systems have been developed in order to achieve various purposes such as reducing traffic accidents, reducing burden on drivers, improving fuel efficiency to reduce burden on the global environment, and providing transportations for vulnerable road users to realize a sustainable society. In these driving assistance systems and automatic driving systems, a plurality of vehicle periphery monitoring sensors are provided in order to monitor the periphery of a vehicle instead of a driver. Furthermore, a function of performing correction even if an attachment angle of the vehicle periphery monitoring sensor deviates is required in order to guarantee the safety of these systems.

The following related arts are the background technologies in this technical field. PTL 1 (JP 2015-078925 A) describes a periphery monitoring device that determines a deviation of a detection axis of a distance measuring sensor from a deviation between a position on a vehicle Cartesian coordinate system identified by a first position identifying unit and a position on the vehicle Cartesian coordinate system identified by a second position identifying unit regarding an object existing in an overlapping area between detection ranges of a first distance measuring sensor whose detection range includes an orientation in which a reference target whose relative position to the first distance measuring sensor is fixed exists and a second distance measuring sensor having a detection range that partially overlaps with the detection range of the first distance measuring sensor (see the abstract).

Further, PTL 2 (JP 2010-249613 A) describes an obstacle recognition device, which recognizes an obstacle by combining a plurality of pieces of sensor information, including: a front camera that acquires information on a first parameter related to the obstacle; a millimeter wave radar that acquires information on a second parameter related to the obstacle; a correction unit that calculates the amount of an axis deviation of an azimuth of the front camera or the millimeter wave radar based on the first parameter information acquired by the front camera and the second parameter information acquired by the millimeter wave radar and corrects the axis deviation of the front camera or the millimeter wave radar based on the calculated amount of the axis deviation; and a storage unit that stores the amount of the axis deviation.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: JP 2015-078925 A

PTL 2: JP 2010-249613 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Meanwhile, in PTL 1, the deviation of the detection axis of the sensor is determined based on the detection position of the object existing in the area where the detection areas of the plurality of sensors overlap, but there is a problem that it is difficult to determine the axis deviation when the detection areas of the plurality of sensors do not overlap. Further, in PTL 2, a detection axis deviation of a sensor is determined based on the second parameter information related to the obstacle existing in an area where detection areas of a plurality of sensors overlap, but there is a problem that it is difficult to determine the axis deviation when the detection areas of the plurality of sensors do not overlap because it is difficult to determine whether the first parameter and the second parameter are based on the same target.

Solution to Problem

A typical example of the invention disclosed in the present application is as follows. That is, an aiming device, which calculates correction amounts of detection results of two or more sensors using the detection results of the sensors, includes: a sensor coordinate conversion unit that converts sensor data detected by the sensor from a coordinate system unique to the sensor into a predetermined unified coordinate system; a target selection unit that selects predetermined features from the sensor data detected by each of the sensors; a function fitting unit that defines functions each approximating an array state of the selected features for the respective sensors; a fitting result comparison unit that compares the functions each approximating the array state of the features detected by each of the sensors; and a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction amount for converting coordinates of the features detected by the sensors from a result of the comparison of the functions.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, the axis deviation of the sensor can be corrected. Other objects, configurations, and effects which have not been described above will become apparent from embodiments to be described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a sensor fusion device having a sensor aiming function of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual view illustrating a processing method of the sensor fusion device having the sensor aiming function of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual view illustrating a processing method of the sensor fusion device having the sensor aiming function of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual view illustrating a processing method of the sensor fusion device having the sensor aiming function of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a sensor fusion device having a sensor aiming function according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a sensor fusion device having a sensor aiming function according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a sensor fusion device having a sensor aiming function according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a sensor fusion device having a sensor aiming function according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a sensor fusion device having a sensor aiming function according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sensor fusion device having a sensor aiming function of a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual view illustrating a processing method of a sensor fusion device having a sensor aiming function of an eighth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the best modes for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Incidentally, the same reference signs will be attached to blocks or elements having the same function in the entire drawing for describing the modes for carrying out the invention, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sensor fusion device 1 having a sensor aiming function. FIGS. 2 to 4 are conceptual views illustrating processing of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function. A processing flow and an operation of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function, which is a first embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

First, the functional block configuration of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sensor fusion device 1 of the present embodiment includes a sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a, a sensor time synchronization unit 110 a, a moving body/stationary object classification unit 120 a, a sensor data integration unit 200 a, a first target selection unit 300 a, a function fitting unit 310 a, a first fitting result comparison unit 320 a, a coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a, and a first target detection start determination unit 340 a. The sensor aiming function is configured by the respective units other than the sensor data integration unit 200 a of the sensor fusion device 1, and the sensor aiming device is realized by the respective units other than the sensor data integration unit 200 a. Further, output signals of a first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a, a second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b, a host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a, and a lane marker detection sensor 30 a and distribution sensing information 40 a are input to the sensor fusion device 1.

The first and second vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b are sensors that detect targets around a host vehicle. The host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a is a group of sensors that detect a speed, a yaw rate, and a steering angle of the host vehicle. The lane marker detection sensor 30 a is a sensor that detects a lane marker (for example, a road center line, a lane boundary line, a road outside line formed by paint, road studs, or the like). The distribution sensing information 40 a is a traveling environment of the host vehicle (for example, travel map data including a curvature of a road and the like).

The sensor fusion device 1 (electronic control unit) and various sensors (the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a, the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b, and the like) of the present embodiment are computers (microcomputers) each including an arithmetic unit, a memory, and an input/output device.

The arithmetic unit includes a processor and executes a program stored in the memory. A part of processing performed by the arithmetic unit executing the program may be executed by another arithmetic unit (for example, hardware such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)).

The memory includes a ROM and a RAM which are non-volatile storage elements. The ROM stores an invariable program (for example, a BIOS) and the like. The RAM is a high-speed and volatile storage element such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and a non-volatile storage element such as a static random access memory (SRAM), and stores the program executed by the arithmetic unit and data used at the time of executing the program.

The input/output device is an interface that transmits a processing content of the electronic control unit or the sensor to the outside or receives data from the outside according to a predetermined protocol.

The program executed by the arithmetic unit is stored in a non-volatile memory which is a non-temporary storage medium of the electronic control unit or the sensor.

In FIGS. 2 to 4, a host vehicle 800 is traveling in a direction of a host vehicle travel route 710 a, and a first sensor detection area 700 a of the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and a second sensor detection area 700 b of the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b are provided around the host vehicle 800. First to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f, non-target stationary object target 820 a, and a moving body 830 a exist in the periphery of the host vehicle 800. Further, the respective drawings illustrate first and second function fitting results 900 a and 900 b.

Incidentally, FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D) illustrate a concept of the processing method in a state where the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b are normally attached (without any axis deviation from the horizontal direction to a host vehicle forward direction). On the other hand, FIGS. 3(A) to 3(C) illustrate a concept of the processing method in a state where the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b is attached to the vehicle such that an attachment angle is axially deviated by an angle θ1 of the horizontal direction with respect to the host vehicle forward direction. Further, FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) illustrate a concept of the processing method in a state where the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a is attached with an axis deviation by an angle θ2 from the horizontal direction to the host vehicle forward direction, and the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b is attached with an axis deviation by an angle θ1 from the horizontal direction to the host vehicle forward direction.

Next, the processing flow of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a detects the first to third stationary object targets 810 a to 810 c, the non-target stationary object target 820 a, and the moving body 830 a existing in the first sensor detection area 700 a, and outputs at least relative coordinates of the first to third stationary object targets 810 a to 810 c and the non-target stationary object target 820 a with respect to the host vehicle, and at least a relative coordinate with respect to the host vehicle and an absolute speed of the moving body 830 a. The second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b detects the fourth to sixth stationary object targets 810 d to 810 f and the non-target stationary object target 820 a existing in the second sensor detection area 700 b, and outputs at least relative coordinates of the fourth to sixth stationary object targets 810 d to 810 f and the non-target stationary object target 820 a with respect to the host vehicle. The sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a converts the relative coordinates of the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f, the relative coordinate of the non-target stationary object target 820 a, and the relative coordinate of the moving body 830 a with respect to the host vehicle, output from the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b with respect to the host vehicle, into unified relative coordinates with respect to the host vehicle and output the converted coordinates to the sensor time synchronization unit 110 a. Here, the unified relative coordinates correspond to a coordinate system in which coordinates to which data output by the plurality of vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b conform are collected. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2(D), the host vehicle forward direction is defined as x, and a host vehicle left direction is defined as y with the center of a front end of the host vehicle as the origin.

Further, detection results of the speed, yaw rate and steering angle of the host vehicle obtained by the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a are input to the sensor time synchronization unit 110 a. The sensor time synchronization unit 110 a corrects the input unified relative coordinates of the first to third stationary object targets 810 a to 810 c, the non-target stationary object target 820 a, and the moving body 830 a detected by the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and the input unified relative coordinates of the fourth to sixth stationary object targets 810 d to 810 f and the non-target stationary object target 820 a detected by the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b into the unified relative coordinates at a predetermined timing using the detection results of the speed, yaw rate, and steering angle of the host vehicle detected by the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a to synchronize the time of the detection results of the respective sensors, and outputs the time-synchronized unified relative coordinates of the first to sixth targets.

The moving body/stationary object classification unit 120 a classifies peripheral objects detected by the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b into the first to sixth stationary objects and the non-target stationary object target 820 a, and the moving body 830 a, and outputs the unified relative coordinates of the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f and the non-target stationary object target 820 a to the first target selection unit 300 a. Furthermore, the moving body/stationary object classification unit 120 a outputs the unified relative coordinates of the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f and the non-target stationary object targets 820 a, and the unified relative coordinate and absolute speed of the moving body 830 a detected by the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b to the sensor data integration unit 200 a.

The sensor data integration unit 200 a integrates all pieces of input information input as above and outputs an integration result to a driving control device 2. The driving control device 2 is an automatic driving system (AD-ECU) or a driving assistance system that controls driving of a vehicle using the output from the sensor fusion device 1.

The first target selection unit 300 a selects the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f from among the input first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f and the non-target stationary object target 820 a and outputs the unified relative coordinates of the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f.

The first target detection start determination unit 340 a determines that the host vehicle is in a desired traveling state based on information output from the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a, the lane marker detection sensor 30 a, and the distribution sensing information 40 a and outputs a target detection start flag to the first target selection unit 300 a.

When the target detection start flag is input, the function fitting unit 310 a fits a first function to an array of the first to third stationary object targets 810 a to 810 c derived from the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and outputs the first function fitting result 900 a. At the same time, the function fitting unit 310 a fits a second function to an array of the fourth to sixth stationary object targets 810 d to 810 f derived from the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b and outputs the second function fitting result 900 b when the target detection start flag is input.

The first fitting result comparison unit 320 a compares the first function fitting result 900 a and the second function fitting result 900 b, and calculates a function correction value that makes both the results coincide. The coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a calculates a sensor coordinate conversion correction value corresponding to the amount of an attachment axis deviation of the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and a sensor coordinate conversion correction value corresponding to the amount of an attachment axis deviation of the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b based on the function correction value, and outputs the sensor coordinate conversion correction values to the sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a.

Incidentally, differences between the processing flow in the state of FIG. 3 and the processing flow in the state of FIG. 2 are as follows. The second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b detects the third to sixth stationary object targets 810 c to 810 f and the non-target stationary object target 820 a existing in the second sensor detection area 700 b, and outputs at least relative coordinates of the third to sixth stationary object targets 810 c to 810 f and the non-target stationary object target 820 a with respect to the host vehicle.

The sensor time synchronization unit 110 a corrects the input unified relative coordinates of the first to third stationary object targets 810 a to 810 c, the non-target stationary object target 820 a, and the moving body 830 a detected by the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and the input unified relative coordinates of the third to sixth stationary object targets 810 c to 810 f and the non-target stationary object target 820 a detected by the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b into the unified relative coordinates at a predetermined timing using the detection results of the speed, yaw rate, and steering angle of the host vehicle detected by the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a to synchronize the time of the detection results of the respective sensors, and outputs the time-synchronized unified relative coordinates of the first to sixth targets.

The function fitting unit 310 a fits a third function to an array of the third to sixth stationary object targets 810 c to 810 f derived from the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b and outputs a third function fitting result 900 c when the target detection start flag is input. The first fitting result comparison unit 320 a compares the first function fitting result 900 a and the third function fitting result 900 c, and calculates a function correction value that makes both the results coincide.

Further, differences between the processing flow in the state of FIG. 4 and the processing flow in the state of FIG. 3 are as follows. The first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a detects the first and second stationary object targets 810 a and 810 b and the moving body 830 a existing in the first sensor detection area 700 a, and outputs at least the relative coordinates of the first and second stationary object targets 810 a and 810 b with respect to the host vehicle, and at least the relative coordinate with respect to the host vehicle and the absolute speed of the moving body 830 a.

The sensor time synchronization unit 110 a corrects the input unified relative coordinates of the first and second stationary object targets 810 a and 810 b, the non-target stationary object target 820 a, and the moving body 830 a detected by the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and the input unified relative coordinates of the third to sixth stationary object targets 810 c to 810 f and the non-target stationary object target 820 a detected by the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b into the unified relative coordinates at a predetermined timing using the detection results of the speed, yaw rate, and steering angle of the host vehicle detected by the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a to synchronize the time of the detection results of the respective sensors, and outputs the time-synchronized unified relative coordinates of the first to sixth targets.

When the target detection start flag is input, the function fitting unit 310 a fits a fourth function to an array of the first and second stationary object targets 810 a and 810 b derived from the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a and outputs a fourth function fitting result 900 d. The first fitting result comparison unit 320 a compares the fourth function fitting result 900 d and the third function fitting result 900 c, and calculates a function correction value that makes both the results coincide.

Furthermore, the operation of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In the embodiment of the present invention, the definition is given as follows for the sake of simplicity. The first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f are objects such as guardrail columns that are periodically arranged at known intervals substantially parallel to a road, and the non-target stationary object target 820 a is an utility pole. Further, the environment in which the host vehicle is traveling is a straight road.

The first target selection unit 300 a has a function of filtering input unified relative coordinates of stationary objects according to the distance of an array thereof. For example, it is known that an installation interval of guardrail columns is standardized to about 2 to 4 m, and thus, the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f can be selectively extracted by performing filter processing for matching with the installation interval of the columns at a cycle of 2 to 4 m. That is, the non-target stationary object target 820 a existing at a cycle different from that of the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f can be removed by the filter processing. Specifically, the first target selection unit 300 a may hold a plurality of filters in advance and select an appropriate filter based on a filtering result.

The function fitting unit 310 a fits an array of the unified relative coordinates of the first to third stationary object targets 810 a to 810 c derived from the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a with a linear function, and outputs a first linear function defined in Formula (1) as the first function fitting result 900 a.

y=a ₁ x+b ₁  (1)

Furthermore, the function fitting unit 310 a fits an array of the unified relative coordinates of the fourth to sixth stationary object targets 810 d to 810 f derived from the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b with a linear function, and outputs a second linear function defined in Formula (2) as the second function fitting result 900 b.

y=a ₂ x+b ₂  (2)

Here, axes x and y in Formulas (1) and (2) are set as those illustrated in FIG. 2(D). With the above operation, the function fitting unit 310 a causes the first function fitting result 900 a to overlap with the array of the unified relative coordinates of the first to third stationary object targets 810 a to 810 c as illustrated in FIG. 2(B). Similarly, the second function fitting result 900 b overlaps with the array of the unified relative coordinates of the fourth to sixth stationary object targets 810 d to 810 f.

The first fitting result comparison unit 320 a compares the input first function fitting result 900 a and second function fitting result 900 b, and calculates the function correction value that makes the first function fitting result 900 a and the second function fitting result 900 b coincide. Incidentally, the first and second vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b are normally attached to the host vehicle without any axis deviation in FIG. 2, and thus, the first function fitting result 900 a and the second function fitting result 900 b are represented by the same function, and extrapolation lines of both the fitting results coincide as illustrated in FIG. 2(C). Therefore, a first function correction value is calculated to be zero.

On the other hand, in FIG. 3, the function fitting unit 310 a outputs the first function fitting result 900 a and the third function fitting result 900 c as illustrated in FIG. 3(C). Here, the third function fitting result 900 c is a fitting result of a third linear function defined by Formula (3).

y=a ₃ x+b ₃  (3)

In this state, the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b is attached to the host vehicle with the axis deviation by the angle θ1 from the horizontal direction to the host vehicle forward direction, but the function fitting unit 310 a does not have information on the axis deviation. Thus, the third function fitting result 900 c is output in the form of being rotated by the angle θ1 from the horizontal direction to a host vehicle rearward direction. Therefore, the first fitting result comparison unit 320 a calculates a function correction value that makes the first function fitting result 900 a and the third function fitting result 900 c coincide. For example, a second function correction value that makes a₁=a₃ is calculated from Formulas (1) and (2) in the state of FIG. 3.

Further, in FIG. 4, the function fitting unit 310 a outputs the fourth function fitting result 900 d and the third function fitting result 900 c as illustrated in FIG. 4(C). Here, the fourth function fitting result 900 d is a fitting result of a fourth linear function defined by Formula (4).

y=a ₄ x+b ₄  (4)

In this state, the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a is attached to the host vehicle with the axis deviation by the angle θ2 from the horizontal direction to the host vehicle forward direction, but the function fitting unit 310 a does not have information on the axis deviation. Thus, the fourth function fitting result 900 d is output in the form of being rotated by the angle θ2 from the horizontal direction to the host vehicle rearward direction. Further, the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b is attached to the host vehicle with the axis deviation by the angle θ1 from the horizontal direction to the host vehicle forward direction, but the function fitting unit 310 a does not have information on the axis deviation. Thus, the third function fitting result 900 c is output in the form of being rotated by the angle θ1 from the horizontal direction to the host vehicle rearward direction. Therefore, the first fitting result comparison unit 320 a calculates a function correction value that makes the fourth function fitting result 900 d and the third function fitting result 900 c coincide. For example, a third function correction value that makes a4=a3 and b4=b3 is calculated from Formulas (4) and (3) in the state of FIG. 4.

Therefore, the first fitting result comparison unit 320 a operates as described above, and thus, the function correction value has a dimension according to a dimension of the function to be fitted. For example, the function to be fitted is one-dimensional in the present embodiment, and thus, the function correction value is two-dimensional, that is, is formed of two parameters.

The coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a operates as follows. Since the first function correction value output from the first fitting result comparison unit 320 a is zero in the state of FIG. 2, a first sensor coordinate conversion correction value output from the coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a is calculated to be zero. On the other hand, a second sensor coordinate conversion correction value for correcting a sensor coordinate conversion value for the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b is output based on the second function correction value in the state of FIG. 3. Specifically, the second sensor coordinate conversion correction value that rotates the sensor coordinate conversion value by the angle θ1 from the horizontal direction to the host vehicle forward direction is output. Furthermore, a third sensor coordinate conversion correction value that corrects a sensor coordinate conversion value for the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a is output based on the third function correction value in the state of FIG. 4 in addition to the state of FIG. 3. Specifically, the third sensor coordinate conversion correction value that rotates the sensor coordinate conversion value by the angle θ2 from the horizontal direction to the host vehicle forward direction is output.

Therefore, the sensor coordinate conversion correction value is represented by the function correction value and the function representing the fitting result in the same dimension since the first fitting result comparison unit 320 a operates as described above. For example, the sensor coordinate conversion correction value is two-dimensional, that is, is formed of two parameters in the present embodiment. Incidentally, the sensor coordinate conversion correction value may be formed of a 2×2 matrix with a diagonal element being zero.

The sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a operates as follows. When the sensor coordinate conversion correction value is not generated by the coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a, that is, when the target detection start flag is not output from the first target detection start determination unit 340 a, the sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a converts the relative coordinates with respect to the host vehicle of the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f, the non-target stationary object target 820 a, and the moving body 830 a output from the first and second vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b into the unified relative coordinates with respect to the host vehicle based on an internally held sensor coordinate conversion parameter.

On the other hand, when the sensor coordinate conversion correction value is generated by the coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a, that is, when the target detection start flag is output from the first target detection start determination unit 340 a, the sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a changes the internally held sensor coordinate conversion parameter based on the sensor coordinate conversion correction values, and converts the relative coordinates with respect to the host vehicle of the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f, the non-target stationary object target 820 a, and the moving body 830 a output from the first and second vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b into the unified relative coordinates with respect the host vehicle.

When the speed, steering angle and yaw rate of the host vehicle output from the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a fall within thresholds held in advance, the first target detection start determination unit 340 a determines that the host vehicle is traveling straight at a constant speed, and outputs a first target detection start flag. Further, when a curvature of a lane marker output from the lane marker detection sensor 30 a and an angle of the host vehicle traveling direction with respect to the lane marker fall within thresholds held in advance, the first target detection start determination unit 340 a determines that the host vehicle is traveling straight and outputs a second target detection start flag. Further, when the road curvature of the traveling environment of the host vehicle output from the distribution sensing information 40 a falls within a threshold held in advance, the first target detection start determination unit 340 a determines that the host vehicle is traveling straight, and outputs a third target detection start flag.

Then, the first target detection start determination unit 340 a selects any target detection start flag by arbitration based on determination criteria held in advance among the first to third target detection start flags, and outputs the target detection start flag. Incidentally, it is desirable to adopt a configuration in which all of the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a, the lane marker detection sensor 30 a, and the distribution sensing information 40 a are combined in order to improve the accuracy of the target detection flag, but two or more of these sensors may be combined, or one of them may be used.

With the configurations, processing flow, and operations of the functional blocks described above, the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the embodiment of the present invention can correct an axis deviation when the axis deviation occurs in the attachment angle of the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a or the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b to the host vehicle.

Further, drawing ranges of the first to fourth function fitting results 900 a to 900 d are within areas of the first and second sensor detection areas 700 a and 700 b in FIGS. 2 to 4, but may be extrapolated outside the areas of the first and second sensor detection areas 700 a and 700 b. Even when the first sensor detection area 700 a and the second sensor detection area 700 b do not have an overlapping area due to this extrapolation outside the areas, the first fitting result comparison unit 320 a can compare the first to fourth function fitting results 900 a to 900 d and calculate the function correction values.

Further, there is an effective that only the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f required in the above-described processing flow can be selected by implementing the filter processing according to the arrangement of the stationary objects in the first target selection unit 300 a.

Further, the environment in which the host vehicle is traveling is assumed as the straight road for the sake of simplicity of description in the embodiment of the present invention, but the same effect can be obtained in any environment in which the behavior of the host vehicle does not change much with time. For example, an environment in which the host vehicle is traveling may be a gently and constantly curved road (for example, a curvature is constant within a sensor detection range).

Further, the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f may be road distance posts, road guide posts such as roadside reflectors, or road structures such as snow poles as long as being objects that are periodically arranged at predetermined intervals other than the guardrail columns. Further, structures such as railroad crossing barriers and rails existing in a direction intersecting the host vehicle traveling direction may be used. Furthermore, a continuous object that can be detected by both the first and second vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b may be used. Further, a group of a plurality of objects may be used, or a plurality of object groups may be used.

Furthermore, the first target selection unit 300 a may select a filter that extracts the array of the fourth to sixth stationary object targets 810 d to 810 f derived from the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b from an extraction result of the array of the first to third stationary object targets 810 a to 810 c derived from the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a.

Further, in the function fitting unit 310 a, the order of the function used for fitting to the array of the fourth to sixth stationary object targets 810 d to 810 f derived from the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 b may be estimated from the order of the first function fitting result 900 a for the array of the first to third stationary object targets 810 a to 810 c derived from the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a.

Furthermore, the case where the processing flow of the functional blocks illustrated in FIG. 1 is operated once has been described in the embodiment of the present invention, but the processing flow may be continuously operated a plurality of times. In this case, the detection position accuracy of the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f is improved. At the same time, the effect of improving the operation accuracy of removing the non-target stationary object target 820 a from the first to sixth stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f can be obtained in the first target selection unit 300 a.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the sensor fusion device 1 having a sensor aiming function. A processing flow and an operation of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function, which is a second embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, the same configurations will be denoted by the same reference signs, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the sensor fusion device 1 of the present embodiment has a target detection data validity determination unit 350 a and a target storage unit 360 a in addition to the configurations of the first embodiment. Further, a second target selection unit 300 b is provided instead of the first target selection unit 300 a, and the target detection data validity determination unit 350 a is provided instead of the first target detection start determination unit 340 a.

When a speed, a steering angle and a yaw rate of a host vehicle output from the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a fall within thresholds held in advance, the target detection data validity determination unit 350 a determines that the host vehicle is traveling straight at a constant speed, and outputs first target detection data validity determination information. Further, when a curvature of a lane marker output from the lane marker detection sensor 30 a and an angle of a host vehicle traveling direction with respect to the lane marker fall within thresholds held in advance, the target detection data validity determination unit 350 a determines that the host vehicle is traveling straight at a constant speed and outputs second target detection data validity determination information. Further, when a road curvature of a traveling environment of the host vehicle included in the distribution sensing information 40 a is held in advance falls within a threshold held in advance, the target detection data validity determination unit 350 a determines that the host vehicle is traveling straight at a constant speed, and outputs third target detection data validity determination information.

Then, the target detection data validity determination unit 350 a arbitrates the first to third target detection data validity determination information based on determination criteria held in advance, and then outputs detection data validity determination information. Incidentally, it is desirable to adopt a configuration in which all of the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a, the lane marker detection sensor 30 a, and the distribution sensing information 40 a are combined in order to improve the accuracy of the target detection data validity determination information, but the both or one of the lane marker detection sensor 30 a and the distribution sensing information 40 a other than the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a may be combined. Here, the first to third target detection data validity determination information is time information time-synchronized with an output of the sensor time synchronization unit 110 a.

The target storage unit 360 a stores unified relative coordinates of stationary object targets and the non-target stationary object target 820 a output from the moving body/stationary object classification unit 120 a at a desired time held in advance, and information on the time at which the unified relative coordinates of the stationary object targets and the non-target stationary object target 820 a have been output from the sensor time synchronization unit 110 a.

The second target selection unit 300 b selects the unified relative coordinates of the stationary object targets and the non-target stationary object target 820 a stored in the target storage unit 360 a based on the detection data validity determination information (time information) output from the target detection data validity determination unit 350 a. Furthermore, a stationary object target is selected from the stationary object targets and the non-target stationary object target 820 a and output. An operation related to the selection of the stationary object target is the same as that in the first embodiment.

With the configurations, processing flow, and operations of the above functional blocks, the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the present embodiment can implement the operations of the coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a from the second target selection unit 300 b at any time, and thus, a correction value can be calculated when a processing load of the entire system is low, and hardware resources such as an arithmetic processing unit of the entire system can be reduced. Further, a series of operations can be executed similarly when the processing load of the entire system is low, and thus, a temperature rise of the entire system can be reduced.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the sensor fusion device 1 having a sensor aiming function. A processing flow and an operation of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function, which is a third embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, the same configurations will be denoted by the same reference signs, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the sensor fusion device 1 of the present embodiment includes a target array shape estimation unit 370 a and an original function generation unit 380 a, instead of the first target detection start determination unit 340 a, in addition to the configurations of the first embodiment.

The target array shape estimation unit 370 a estimates a first array shape of stationary object targets with respect to a host vehicle based on a speed, a steering angle, and a yaw rate of the host vehicle output from the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a. For example, when the speed, steering angle, and yaw rate of the host vehicle fall within thresholds corresponding to a straight road traveling state held in advance, a straight line is output as the first array shape. Further, the target array shape estimation unit 370 a estimates a second array shape of the stationary object targets with respect to the host vehicle based on a curvature of a lane marker output from the lane marker detection sensor 30 a. For example, when the curvature of the lane marker falls within a threshold corresponding to the straight road traveling state held in advance, the straight line is output as the second array shape. Further, the target array shape estimation unit 370 a estimates a third array shape of stationary object targets with respect to the host vehicle based on a road curvature of a traveling environment of the host vehicle output from the distribution sensing information 40 a. For example, when the road curvature falls within a threshold corresponding to the straight road traveling state held in advance, the straight line is output as the third array shape.

Then, the target array shape estimation unit 370 a arbitrates the first to third array shapes based on determination criteria held in advance, and then, outputs an array shape. Incidentally, it is desirable to adopt a configuration in which all of the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a, the lane marker detection sensor 30 a, and the distribution sensing information 40 a are combined in order to improve the accuracy of the array shape, but the both or one of the lane marker detection sensor 30 a and the distribution sensing information 40 a other than the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a may be combined.

The original function generation unit 380 a generates a function used in fitting by the function fitting unit 310 a based on the array shape output from the target array shape estimation unit 370 a. For example, when the array shape is straight, a linear function such as Formulas (1) to (4) is generated and output to the function fitting unit 310 a. Further, when the array shape is arcuate, a circular function as illustrated in Formula (5) is generated and output to the function fitting unit 310 a. In Formula (5), r is a radius of curvature.

x ² +y ² =r ²  (5)

With the configurations, processing flow, and operations of the above functional blocks, the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the present embodiment generates a function used by the function fitting unit 310 a based on many information sources, and thus, the probability of using a function with a low degree of coincidence for fitting decreases, and the speed of fitting processing can be improved.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the sensor fusion device 1 having a sensor aiming function. A processing flow and an operation of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function, which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, the same configurations will be denoted by the same reference signs, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the sensor fusion device 1 of the present embodiment removes the first target detection start determination unit 340 a from the configurations of the first embodiment, and is provided with a coordinate conversion correction value storage unit 390 a and a first coordinate conversion correction implementation determining unit 400 a. Further, output signals of the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a and the lane marker detection sensor 30 a and the distribution sensing information 40 a are not input.

The coordinate conversion correction value storage unit 390 a stores a sensor coordinate conversion correction value output from the coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a at a plurality of times.

The first coordinate conversion correction implementation determining unit 400 a refers to the coordinate conversion correction value stored in the coordinate conversion correction value storage unit 390 a, determines that erroneous detection is not temporary but a sensor itself deviates when the number of times the sensor coordinate conversion correction value is equal to or greater than a threshold held in advance becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value, and sends a command, to the coordinate conversion correction value storage unit 390 a, to output a statistical value (for example, an average value) of the plurality of sensor coordinate conversion correction values to the sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a.

The operation of the sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a is the same as those of the first to third embodiments.

With the configurations, processing flow, and operations of the above functional blocks, the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the present embodiment calculates sensor coordinate conversion correction values and determines whether to correct sensor values using the sensor coordinate conversion correction values for a plurality of times, so that unnecessary calculation of the sensor coordinate conversion correction value can be reduced, and the accuracy of the sensor coordinate conversion correction value can be improved.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the sensor fusion device 1 having a sensor aiming function. A processing flow and an operation of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function, which is a fifth embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In the fifth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, the same configurations will be denoted by the same reference signs, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the sensor fusion device 1 of the present embodiment has a sensor state estimation unit 410 a in addition to the configurations of the first embodiment. Further, a second fitting result comparison unit 320 b is provided instead of the first fitting result comparison unit 320 a, and a second target detection start determination unit 340 b is provided instead of the first target detection start determination unit 340 a. Further, output signals of the first to third state detection sensors 50 a to 50 c are input to the sensor fusion device 1.

The first to third state detection sensors 50 a to 50 c are configured using an impact sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like, and detect an impact and a temperature change of a portion to which each of the first to third state detection sensors 50 a to 50 c is attached. Specifically, the first state detection sensor 50 a detects an impact and a temperature change applied to a third vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 c. Further, the second state detection sensor 50 b detects an impact and a temperature change applied to a fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 d. The third state detection sensor 50 c is attached to a place where it is easy to detect an impact applied to the entire vehicle, such as a chassis of a host vehicle, and detects an impact applied to any place and a temperature change.

The sensor state estimation unit 410 a estimates attachment states of the third and fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 c and 10 d with respect to the host vehicle based on data related to the impacts and the temperature changes output from the first to third state detection sensors 50 a to 50 c. For example, when the data on the impact output from the first state detection sensor 50 a is equal to or greater than a threshold held in advance, a first abnormality flag indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the attachment state of the third vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 c is output to the second target detection start determination unit 340 b. For example, when the data on the impact output from the second state detection sensor 50 b is equal to or greater than a threshold held in advance, the sensor state estimation unit 410 a outputs a second abnormality flag indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the attachment state of the fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 d to the second target detection start determination unit 340 b. Furthermore, when the data on the impact output from the third state detection sensor 50 c is equal to or greater than a threshold held in advance, the sensor state estimation unit 410 a outputs a third abnormality flag indicating that abnormalities have occurred in the attachment states of the third and fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 c and 10 d to the second target detection start determination unit 340 b.

Similarly, when data on a temperature output from the first state detection sensor 50 a exceeds an operating range held in advance, it is determined that the third vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 c is at a high temperature or a low temperature, and the first abnormality flag indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the sensor is output to the second target detection start determination unit 340 b. Similarly, when data on a temperature output from the second state detection sensor 50 b exceeds an operating range held in advance, the sensor state estimation unit 410 a determines that the fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 d is at a high temperature or a low temperature, and outputs the second abnormality flag indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the sensor to the second target detection start determination unit 340 b. Furthermore, when data on a temperature output from the third state detection sensor 50 c exceeds an operating range held in advance, the sensor state estimation unit 410 a determines that the third and fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 c and 10 d are at a high temperature or a low temperature, and outputs the third abnormality flag indicating that abnormalities have occurred in the sensor to the second target detection start determination unit 340 b.

Then, the sensor state estimation unit 410 a outputs weighting factors for the third and fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 c and 10 d to the second fitting result comparison unit 320 b based on the data on the impacts and the temperature changes output from the first to third state detection sensors 50 a to 50 c.

After receiving the first to third abnormality flags, the second target detection start determination unit 340 b executes the same operation as that of the first target detection start determination unit 340 a of the first embodiment. Therefore, a sensor coordinate conversion correction value is not calculated when no abnormality has occurred.

The second fitting result comparison unit 320 b outputs a function correction value that makes fifth and sixth function fitting results coincide using the weighting factors in comparison of the fifth function fitting result derived from the third vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 c and the sixth function fitting result derived from the fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 d which have been output from the function fitting unit 310 a.

With the configurations, processing flow, and operations of the above functional blocks, the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the present embodiment causes the second target selection unit 300 b to the coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a to operate to calculate the sensor coordinate conversion correction value when it is determined that the abnormality has occurred due to the impact or the temperature. Thus, the number of unnecessary operations in which the sensor coordinate conversion correction value becomes zero can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment so that the power consumption of the entire system can be reduced. Further, when the second fitting result comparison unit 320 b calculates the function correction value that makes the fifth and sixth function fitting results coincide, each of the function fitting results can be weighted, and thus, the accuracy of the function correction value can be improved.

Incidentally, the first to third state detection sensors 50 a to 50 c are configured using the impact sensor and the temperature sensor in the present embodiment, but are not necessarily configured using only the impact sensor or the temperature sensor. Further, another sensor (for example, a humidity sensor) may be used. Furthermore, any combination of these sensors may be used.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the sensor fusion device 1 having a sensor aiming function. A processing flow and an operation of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function, which is a sixth embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the sixth embodiment, differences from the first, fourth, and fifth embodiments will be mainly described, the same configurations will be denoted by the same reference signs, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the sensor fusion device 1 of the present embodiment removes the first target detection start determination unit 340 a from the configurations of the first embodiment, and is provided with the coordinate conversion correction value storage unit 390 a and a second coordinate conversion correction implementation determining unit 400 b. Further, output signals of the host vehicle behavior detection sensor 20 a and the lane marker detection sensor 30 a and the distribution sensing information 40 a are not input.

The coordinate conversion correction value storage unit 390 a stores a sensor coordinate conversion correction value output from the coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a at a plurality of times, which is similar to the fourth embodiment.

The second coordinate conversion correction implementation determining unit 400 b receives first to third abnormality flags output from the sensor state estimation unit 410 a, and sends a command, to the coordinate conversion correction value storage unit 390 a, to output a sensor coordinate conversion correction value to the sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a when the latest sensor coordinate stored in the coordinate conversion correction value storage unit 390 a is equal to or greater than a threshold held in advance.

With the configurations, processing flow, and operations of the above functional blocks, the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the present embodiment can quickly adjust a sensor coordinate conversion parameter of the sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a when there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the third and fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 c and 10 d.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the sensor fusion device 1 having a sensor aiming function. A processing flow and an operation of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function, which is a seventh embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In the seventh embodiment, differences from the first and fourth embodiments will be mainly described, the same configurations will be denoted by the same reference signs, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the sensor fusion device 1 of the present embodiment has a third coordinate conversion correction implementation determining unit 400 c instead of the first coordinate conversion correction implementation determining unit 400 a, and is provided with a warning display unit 420 a in addition to the configurations of the fourth embodiment.

The third coordinate conversion correction implementation determining unit 400 c refers to a sensor coordinate conversion correction value stored in the coordinate conversion correction value storage unit 390 a and outputs a warning display flag to the warning display unit 420 a when the number of times the sensor coordinate conversion correction value is equal to or greater than a threshold held in advance becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, in addition to the operation of the first coordinate conversion correction implementation determining unit 400 a of the fourth embodiment.

When receiving the warning display flag, the warning presentation unit 420 a displays a warning on a warning device of a host vehicle or an external system of the host vehicle (a cloud server or the like). The warning has at least one or more levels, for example, Level 1: Inspection recommended, Level 2: Inspection required, Level 3: System stop, and the like. A driver or an occupant sees a warning display and takes a necessary measure (automatic driving, stop of driving assistance, vehicle repair, and the like). The warning presentation unit 420 a may present a warning by sound or vibration instead of or in addition to the warning display.

With the configurations, processing flow, and operations of the above functional blocks, the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the present embodiment can send the warning regarding a state of an axis deviation of a sensor to the driver or the occupant or the external system of the host vehicle, and thus, the necessity of the inspection of the host vehicle can be quickly determined, and the safety of the system can be improved.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a conceptual view illustrating a processing method of the sensor fusion device 1 having a sensor aiming function. An operation of the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function, which is an eighth embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 11. In the eighth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, the same configurations will be denoted by the same reference signs, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the eighth embodiment, a seventh stationary object target 810 g, the non-target stationary object target 820 a, and the moving body 830 a exist in the periphery of the host vehicle 800 as illustrated in FIG. 11. Further, the drawing illustrates first to fourth sensor observation results 910 a to 910 d and seventh and eighth function fitting results 900 g and 900 h.

The first and second vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b detect the seventh stationary object target 810 g and output the first and second sensor observation results 910 a and 910 b, respectively. The first and second sensor observation results 910 a and 910 b are represented by line segments, plane polygons, or three-dimensional polygons. Meanwhile, the first and second vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b detect the first non-target stationary object target 820 a and output the third and fourth sensor observation results 910 c and 910 d, respectively. The third and fourth sensor observation results 910 c and 910 d have information on points.

The first target selection unit 300 a selects the first and second sensor observation results 910 a and 910 b from among the first to fourth sensor observation results 910 a to 910 d using a filter held in advance. Here, the filter has the same form as the form (line segment, plane polygon, or three-dimensional polygon) of the first to fourth sensor observation results 910 a to 910 d.

The function fitting unit 310 a fits the first sensor observation result 910 a derived from the first vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a with a function, and outputs the seventh function fitting result 900 e. Further, the function fitting unit 310 a fits the first sensor observation result 910 a derived from the second vehicle periphery monitoring sensor 10 a with a function, and outputs the eighth function fitting result 900 f.

The first fitting result comparison unit 320 a compares the seventh and eighth function fitting results 900 e and 900 f, and calculates a function correction value that makes the seventh function fitting result 900 e and the eighth function fitting result 900 f coincide.

With the configurations, processing flow, and operations of the above functional blocks, the sensor fusion device 1 having the sensor aiming function of the present embodiment has the above effect even when a stationary object target has a plane structure.

Incidentally, the seventh stationary object target 810 g may be any road structure having a plane structure, such as a guardrail, a noise barrier, a curb, and a median strip, in the present embodiment.

Further, each of the first and second vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b outputs one sensor observation result in the present embodiment, but each of the sensors may output a plurality of observation results.

In the above-described embodiments, the first to fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d may be the same type of sensor or different types of sensors. Further, the first to fourth vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d may be any sensor such as a millimeter wave radar, cameras (visible light, near-infrared, mid-infrared, far-infrared cameras), light detection and ranging (LiDAR), sonar, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, and a sensor combining them.

Further, the configurations, processing flow, and operations of the functional blocks described in each of the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined.

Furthermore, the in-vehicle device (ECU) calculates the sensor coordinate conversion correction value in the above description, but a computer connected to be capable of communicating with a vehicle may calculate the sensor coordinate conversion correction value.

As described above, the sensor fusion device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention includes: the sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a that converts each piece of the sensor data detected by the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d from the coordinate system unique to each of the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d into a predetermined unified coordinate system (unified relative coordinates); the target selection unit 300 a or 300 b that selects predetermined features (the stationary object target 810 a to 810 f) from each piece of the sensors data of the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d; the function fitting unit 310 a that defines functions each approximating an array state of the selected features for the respective vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d; the fitting result comparison unit 320 a or 320 b that compares the functions each approximating the array state of the features detected by each of the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d; and the coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit 330 a that calculates a correction amount for converting coordinates of the features detected by the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d from a result of the comparison of the functions. The sensor coordinate conversion unit 100 a converts the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d into the unified relative coordinates using the calculated correction amount. Thus, it is possible to correct the axis deviation of the attachment angle with respect to the host vehicle that occurs in the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b.

Further, the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d may be millimeter wave radars. Further, the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d may include at least one millimeter wave radar and at least one camera. In this manner, the sensor fusion device 1 of the present embodiment can calculate the correction amounts of various types of the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d.

Further, the target selection units 300 a and 300 b use structures arranged substantially parallel to the road at known intervals, the correction amounts of the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d can be accurately calculated.

Further, the target selection units 300 a and 300 b select a predetermined feature using a filter corresponding to a known array state related to the feature, the stationary object targets 810 a to 810 f used for calculating the correction amount can be easily detected.

Further, the fitting result comparison units 320 a and 320 b extrapolate lines represented by the defined functions outside the detection areas of the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a to 10 d, and compare the extrapolated lines with each other. Thus, even when the detection areas (the sensor detection areas 700 a and 700 b) of the vehicle periphery monitoring sensors 10 a and 10 b do not overlap, the function fitting results 900 a and 900 b can be compared, and the correction amount can be calculated.

Further, the warning presentation unit 420 a that outputs a warning when the calculated correction amount is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold is provided, and thus, the occupant or a maintenance staff can take a necessary measure.

Further, when at least one of the impact and the temperature applied to the host vehicle detected by the state detection sensors 50 a to 50 c satisfies a predetermined condition, the sensor coordinate conversion correction value is output. Thus, the sensor coordinate conversion correction value is not calculated when no abnormality has occurred, and the processing load can be reduced.

Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may include various modifications and equivalent configurations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail in order to describe the present invention in an easily understandable manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to one including the entire configuration that has been described above. Further, a part of the configuration of a certain embodiment may be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Further, the configuration of a certain embodiment may be added with the configuration of another embodiment. Further, addition, deletion or substitution of other configurations may be made with respect to some configurations of each embodiment.

Further, each configuration, function, processing unit, processing means, and the like described above may be, partially or fully, implemented by hardware, for example, by designing it using an integrated circuit and the like, or implemented by software by causing the processor to interpret and execute a program that implements each function.

Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize the respective functions can be stored in a storage device such as a memory, a hard disk, and a solid state drive (SSD), or a recording medium such as an IC card, an SD card, a DVD, and BD.

Further, only a control line and an information line considered to be necessary for the description are illustrated, and all the control lines and information lines required for implementation are not necessarily illustrated. In practice, it can be considered that almost all components are interconnected.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   10 a to 10 d vehicle periphery monitoring sensor     -   20 a host vehicle behavior detection sensor     -   30 a lane marker detection sensor     -   40 a distribution sensing information     -   50 a to 50 c state detection sensor     -   100 a sensor coordinate conversion unit     -   110 a sensor time synchronization unit     -   120 a moving body/stationary object classification unit     -   200 a sensor data integration unit     -   300 a, 300 b target selection unit     -   310 a function fitting unit     -   320 a, 320 b fitting result comparison unit     -   330 a coordinate conversion correction value calculation unit     -   340 a, 340 b target detection start determination unit     -   350 a target detection data validity determination unit     -   360 a target storage unit     -   370 a array shape estimation unit     -   380 a original function generation unit     -   390 a coordinate conversion correction value storage unit     -   400 a to 400 c coordinate conversion correction implementation         determining unit     -   410 a sensor state estimation unit     -   420 a warning presentation unit     -   700 a, 700 b sensor detection area     -   710 a host vehicle travel route     -   800 host vehicle     -   810 a to 810 g stationary object target     -   820 a non-target stationary object target     -   830 a moving body     -   900 a to 900 g function fitting result     -   910 a to 910 d sensor observation result 

1. An aiming device, which calculates correction amounts of detection results of two or more sensors using the detection results of the sensors, comprising: a sensor coordinate conversion unit that converts sensor data detected by the sensor from a coordinate system unique to the sensor into a predetermined unified coordinate system; a target selection unit that selects predetermined features from the sensor data detected by each of the sensors; a function fitting unit that defines functions each approximating an array state of the selected features for the respective sensors; a fitting result comparison unit that compares the functions each approximating the array state of the features detected by each of the sensors; and a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction amount for converting coordinates of the features detected by the sensors from a result of the comparison of the functions.
 2. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a millimeter wave radar.
 3. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein the sensors includes at least one millimeter wave radar and at least one camera.
 4. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein the features are structures arranged substantially parallel to a road at a known interval.
 5. The aiming device according to claim 4, wherein the target selection unit has a filter corresponding to a known array state related to the feature.
 6. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein the fitting result comparison unit extrapolates lines represented respectively by the defined functions outside detection areas of the sensors, and compares the extrapolated lines with each other.
 7. The aiming device according to claim 1, further comprising a warning presentation unit that outputs a warning when the calculated correction amount is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold.
 8. The aiming device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of an impact and a temperature applied to a vehicle detected by a state detection sensor is input, and the correction amount is output when at least one of the impact and the temperature satisfies a predetermined condition.
 9. A driving control system, which controls driving of a vehicle, comprising: a sensor fusion device that integrates and outputs detection results of two or more sensors; and a driving control device that controls the driving of the vehicle using an output from the sensor fusion device, wherein the sensor fusion device comprises: a sensor coordinate conversion unit that converts sensor data detected by the sensor from a coordinate system unique to the sensor into a predetermined unified coordinate system; a target selection unit that selects predetermined features from the sensor data detected by each of the sensors; a function fitting unit that defines functions each approximating an array state of the selected features for the respective sensors; a fitting result comparison unit that compares the functions each approximating the array state of the features detected by each of the sensors; a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction amount for converting coordinates of the features detected by the sensors from a result of the comparison of the functions; and a sensor data integration unit that integrates the sensor data and outputs an integration result, and the sensor coordinate conversion unit converts the sensor data into the unified coordinate system using the calculated correction amount.
 10. A calculation method for a correction amount of sensor data, executed by an aiming device that calculates correction amounts of detection results of two or more sensors using the detection results of the sensors, the calculation method comprising: converting sensor data detected by the sensor from a coordinate system unique to the sensor into a predetermined unified coordinate system; selecting predetermined features from the sensor data detected by each of the sensors; defining functions each approximating an array state of the selected features for the respective sensors; comparing the functions each approximating the array state of the features detected by each of the sensors; and calculating a correction amount for converting coordinates of the features detected by the sensors from a result of the comparison of the functions. 